An incomplete abortion is just one of the risks associated with a medical or surgical abortion, though it can also occur after a miscarriage. This condition requires medical treatment, so don’t delay seeking help.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Incomplete abortions occur when some of the pregnancy tissue remains behind in the uterus, and they can lead to more severe complications like sepsis or severe hemorrhaging.
Symptoms of an incomplete abortion may vary, but they include the following:
- Moderate to severe vaginal bleeding (saturating more than one pad per hour)
- Lower abdominal and/or pain
- Pain in the back, buttocks, genitalia, and perineum
- Passing blood clots
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
You may notice these symptoms at home, especially if you have had a medical abortion, which can be administered outside a doctor’s office. In that case, you want to be especially vigilant about monitoring your health for possible complications. Pay attention to how you feel and seek follow-up care from a medical provider.
Who’s More Likely to Have One?
Anyone who’s had a miscarriage, medical or surgical abortion can have an incomplete abortion, but there are risk factors associated with developing one, such as:
- Abortion during the second trimester (from weeks 13-26)
- Being older than 35 when pregnant
- Never having given birth before (even if they have been pregnant before)
- History of past incomplete abortions
Having any of these doesn’t guarantee you’ll have an incomplete abortion, but it does increase your chances. If you plan to have an abortion, you’ll want to ensure you speak with a healthcare professional and receive a full physical exam beforehand to understand possible complications.
How is This Condition Treated?
Incomplete abortions can be treated with misoprostol. If another treatment method is necessary, a surgical procedure known as dilation and curettage will be performed, which will use a combination of medication and surgical instruments to remove the remaining pregnancy tissue from your uterus.
The most common side effects of a D & C are abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
No-Cost and Confidential Support
Informed Choices Women’s Center is here to help you. If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy and considering abortion, we can perform a limited abdominal ultrasound for women up to 13 weeks to confirm pregnancy details and discuss your pregnancy options. Your first appointment is always with a registered nurse.
We have two locations: one center in Mountain Home (870-424-4673) and another in Harrison (870-280-3169). Contact us today to schedule an appointment.